Aniko Varadi

Professor Aniko Varadi is a leading biomedical scientist at the University of the West of England (UWE), Bristol, where she holds the position of Professor in Biomedical Research within the Department of Applied Sciences. Since 2018 she has served as Director of the Centre for Research in Biosciences and is the institutional lead for UWE’s associate membership in the BBSRC-funded South West Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (SWBio DTP).

Research Domains:

• Genetic susceptibility to brain injury in preterm neonates
• Pharmacogenetic interventions and neonatal resuscitation genomics
• Molecular mechanisms of insulin secretion, including glutamate-receptor roles and Myosin Va-mediated vesicle transport
• Genomic education for nurses and healthcare professionals
• Novel therapeutic approaches such as 3D scaffolds for diabetic foot ulcers and cold-plasma drug delivery systems

Her publication portfolio spans high-impact journals, covering innovation in analytical chemistry (LC-MS/MS C-peptide assays), large-scale genomics workforce studies, and translational cell-biology investigations. Collectively, these works demonstrate an integrative approach that couples basic molecular discovery with clinical and educational impact.

Research Leadership & Grants:

• Principal Investigator, “The Neonatal Gene Study” – the largest UK multicentre study linking DNA variants to neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants (>600 infants recruited)
• Institutional Lead for UWE REF submissions in Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy (RAE2008, REF2014, REF2021)
• Director, PGCert in Genomics for Nurses and Healthcare Professionals – England’s only fully validated programme, delivered in collaboration with Health Education England, Macmillan Cancer Support, British Heart Foundation, Genomics England and NHS England
• Management & Implementation Group member, SWBio DTP – overseeing doctoral training, student selection, and enterprise-skills curriculum

Centres & Teams:
She heads the Centre for Research in Biosciences, a multidisciplinary hub that fosters collaboration between basic scientists, clinicians, and industry partners. Through the centre she coordinates cross-faculty initiatives in genomics, bio-analytical technologies, and responsible research innovation.